By Wale Joseph
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) will today conclude its national open trials with the championship bouts set to determine the boxers that will represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The decisive fights will take place at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex inside the National Stadium Surulere in Lagos, where finalists across the 10 weight categories will compete for places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland.
A total of 128 boxers — 101 men and 27 women — began the four-day competition earlier in the week, with the field gradually narrowing down to the finalists who will now contest the championship bouts for national selection.
Secretary-General of the federation, Vivian Azimene, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and competition at the trials. She noted that athletes who make the final team will proceed to a training camp, while other impressive performers will be retained as sparring partners as preparations intensify for the Games.
According to her, the federation is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances at the Commonwealth Games, given the country’s strong tradition whenever boxing features at the multi-sport event.
Several notable contests have already been decided during the trials. In the men’s 75kg category, Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Qudus Adeniji to book a place in the semi-finals, while Quadri Ilori edged Israel Ogbodo via split decision to progress.
More than 80 bouts have been fought so far in the tournament, with several diaspora-based fighters also making a strong impression against their home-based counterparts.
Nigeria is expected to compete in 10 weight divisions at the Games; five in the men’s category: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg; and five in the women’s category: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Nigeria returned with four medals. Elizabeth Oshoba secured a silver medal, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere each claimed bronze, under the leadership of team captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba.
